RE: Signs of Scientism

David wrote:
 
I'd still very much like the perspectives of Keith and other ASA members
on why the ability to observe and reasonably believe in a "supernatural"
event such as the resurrection differs from the ability to observe and
reasonably believe in "supernatural" creative events in natural history.

 
First of all I'd say that although we may hold opinions and can
rationally express them doesn't mean we hold the answers close to our
collective vests. That said, I'll offer an opinion. The miracles of
the Bible including the Resurrection have purpose and are performed by
God or His designated representatives to demonstrate to those intended
the authenticity of the event. Thus, the raising of Lazurus, for
example, showed those who saw it that this person was authorized by God.
Christ was certified.
 
God who can do the supernatural may empower those He desires to do the
same as duly authorized representatives. So miracles have a specific
purpose and are always performed in the open in plain view. However,
miracles or supernatural events lie outside the explanatory powers of
science. "Natural" history has no supernatural events by definition.
 
Christ said, "Why look for the living among the dead?" Why look for the
supernatural among the natural?
 
As a practical matter it would reap havoc on our abilities to do science
if the Creator jumped in from time to time to alter results. A
capricious deity could drive us nuts if He (She or It) intervened
sporadically keeping us off balance. In the long run we are better
served if we can rely totally on solely natural events in the search for
cause and effect relationships.
 
~Dick Fischer~ Genesis Proclaimed Association
Finding Harmony in Bible, Science, and History
www.genesisproclaimed.org
 
 
 
Received on Wed Jan 18 14:11:09 2006